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Gastroenteritis

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Gastroenteritis is a disease where the gastrointestinal tract (stomach and intestines) becomes inflamed.

CAUSES:

Ingestion: spoiled food orforeign objects

Infections: bacterial, viral or fungal

Certain medications: corticosteroids, anti-cancer drugs, antibiotics

Diseases: pancreatitis, liver disease, kidney disease

SIGNS:

Vomiting: foamy, with yellow bile and blood

Diarrhea: in large amounts a few times a day

Dehydration

Lethargy

Loss of appetite

Gagging after eating or drinking

Abdominal pain

Fever

DIAGNOSIS:

Many cases of vomiting and diarrhea resolve quickly and easily. If thesigns continue for more than one day, or if there is blood in the diarrhea or vomit, bring your dog to your veterinarian. Some tests performed may include:

Blood tests

Urine test

Stool examination

X-rays or ultrasound of the abdomen

Tests for pancreatitis

TREATMENT:

The goals of treatment are to renew lost fluid and to give the gastrointestinal tract a rest. Your veterinarian will do a few things:

Rehydration: orally or through IV

Diet: your dog will not be allowed any food, and you will gradually introduce water and easily-digestible food

Drugs: to stop the vomiting and diarrhea

Antibiotics: if the cause is a bacterial infection

PREVENTION:

To prevent gastroenteritis, youshould:

Keep your dog on a healthy diet

Keep a clean environment to avoid infection

Be careful that they don’t swallow non-edible objects

Bring them for routine de-worming

PROGNOSIS:

Most dogs with gastroenteritis will recover quickly with rehydration.

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